TORONTO (Nov. 17) — So, here we are, precisely two weeks from the deadline of L’Affair Nylander. With no apparent resolution in sight and only one scenario that will best–serve the Maple Leafs: a “bridge” contract of two years and… Read More

TORONTO (Aug. 4) — This will not be the worst season, by record, in the 42 years since the Toronto Blue Jays joined Major League Baseball — a distinction that belongs to the 1979 club, which compiled a mark of… Read More

TORONTO (July 29) — It is merely a whisper at this point and has a number of moving parts. But, a source tells me the Toronto Maple Leafs, interminably looking for a big–time defenseman, and the St. Louis Blues, in… Read More

TORONTO (Jan. 13) — Only one question truly remains to be answered about the 2017–18 Toronto Maple Leafs: Can they defeat the Boston Bruins in a best–of–seven Stanley Cup playoff series?
Though 37 games are left on the schedule, beginning… Read More

TORONTO (Oct. 31) — While watching the Maple Leafs get stunningly out–played by the San Jose Sharks in northern–California Monday night (the 3–2 final score did not reflect the lop–sided essence of the match), it occurred to me that the… Read More

TORONTO (Oct. 26) — The worst team in the National Hockey League to begin the 2017–18 season has some colossal number–crunching on the horizon. And you have to think that a rival general manager — at some point — will… Read More

TORONTO (May 15) — Want to know how generally lousy it was for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans during the Harold Ballard administration in the 1970’s and 80’s? Normally, I would offer you a “let me count the… Read More

TORONTO (Nov. 24) — Over–achievement? Moderate achievement? And, does it really matter?
These are questions that come to mind with respect to the Toronto Maple Leafs after 20 games of the 2016–17 National Hockey League season. Clearly, the team is… Read More

TORONTO (Nov. 18) — If the Calder Trophy were awarded today, there’s little doubt that Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets would be the winner with a league–best 12 goals in 19 games. But, Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs… Read More

TORONTO (Sep. 9) — In the realm of longevity, those Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup teams from the 1960’s will not go away. And, we thank the good Lord for that.
The latest in the group to join Club Octogenarian… Read More

TORONTO (May 18) — I felt extraordinarily privileged on Tuesday afternoon.
Not only did I spend time with the most popular and beloved figure in Toronto Maple Leafs history (pretty cool for a decades–long hockey fan; radio–reporter and writer), but… Read More

TORONTO (May 10) — Among the hidden stories of Guy Boucher becoming head coach of the Ottawa Senators this week (replacing Dave Cameron) involved unspoken evidence that Boucher would have been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 12 months ago,… Read More

TORONTO (May 5) — Every year during this week for nearly half–a–century, hockey fans in Toronto have seen varied images of George Armstrong hoisting the 1967 Stanley Cup as captain of the Maple Leafs.
Today, nearing his 86th birthday, Armstrong… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Nov. 27) — The National Hockey League “family” — as it likes to be known — has lost three prominent members since Sunday.
Given his involvement in the game, professionally and internationally, the death of Pat… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Sep. 10) – “Can we talk?”
The late Joan Rivers would have been darned proud of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The answer to her signature, comedic question is a resounding “Yes!!” No team in the National… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Sep. 7) – Of all the storied names in Toronto Maple Leafs history, an argument can be made that the two living players most beloved by fans of all ages were honored outside the Air Canada… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (June 12) – Los Angeles Kings failed to win the Stanley Cup last night on the second anniversary of their first championship. It was June 11, 2012 that Kings routed New Jersey Devils, 6-1, at the… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (May 2) – And so it continues… month after month; decade after decade; perhaps unavoidably reaching and surpassing half-a-century. In these parts, it is simply known as “the drought” – the longest current Stanley Cup famine.… Read More

Who is

Howard Berger

Hockey/baseball reporter at THE FAN-590 for 23 years (1988-2011), and original from September 1992 launch of Canada’s first all-sports radio station. Covered Toronto Blue Jays 1992 and 1993 World Series victories. Started with Leafs full time in 1994. Enjoying life with my family (kids Shane and Lauren).